The Jedi are a group of characters in the Star Wars universe that magnificently blend the mystical and magical elements of the fantasy genre with the mysterious and mesmerizing scale of an epic space opera. Part monk, part warrior, all-powerful, the Jedi have been the face of the series right from the first movie.
It takes more than a lightsaber and some mind tricks to be one with the Force. A dedication to study and a keen sense of wit are also valuable assets for a Jedi to possess. From Anakin Skywalker to Master Yoda, the Jedi Order have no shortage of wisdom to make all fans all one with the Force.
Updated August 19, 2021 by Zach Gass: In the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, and beyond, there are few orders of warriors more adept in the ways of the universe than the Jedi. The Force-sensitive sorcerers of the Star Wars franchise have been inspiring and igniting the imagination of countless viewers for decades. From as early as the first film to as recent as The Clone Wars or The Mandalorian, the Jedi and those one with the Force have not ceased in dispensing pearls of wisdom across the universe.
“Let The Past Die. Kill It If You Have To.” - Kylo Ren
No matter if fans love or hate Kylo Ren, the leader of the insidious First Order was not immune from dropping a truth bomb or two, despite his intentions and allegiances. He might have sought to rule the galaxy with an iron fist, but he did get one thing right: people can't let the past dictate their present.
This phrase could be applied to severing ties to one's past ambitions, or it could just be an edgy way to say "put your past behind you." Clinging too hard to an old life might prevent those seeking a new adventure from moving on.
“Your Focus Determines Your Reality.” - Qui-Gon Jinn
Qui-Gon Jinn could rival the likes of Master Yoda when it comes to hard-hitting nuggets of wisdom. "Your focus determines your reality" is certainly a phrase that deserves to be unpacked.
Think of it as a take on "look at the bright side" or in this case the light side. It might seem a bit too cliche to encourage a young Padawan to visualize one's goals, but maybe directing one's focus is certainly worthwhile advice.
“Your Eyes Can Deceive You. Don’t Trust Them.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Old Ben is one of Star Wars' best original trilogy characters. While training a young Luke Skywalker to reach into the depths of the Force, he encourages him to heighten his senses to essentially look beyond what he can see.
Not everything is as it appears; that's Jedi training 101. Looks can be deceiving but facts never are, and that is exceptionally true when it comes to wielding the Force. Anyone can wave a lightsaber around like a malfunctioning droid, but in order to truly become one with the Force, one must go beyond their own perception.
“Confronting Fear Is The Destiny Of The Jedi.” Luke Skywalker
As FDR once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Along with letting go of physical limitations, a good Jedi is resilient in the face of fear. As Luke so eloquently described, a Jedi must do more than face fear alone; he must overcome it as well.
Fear is one of the first steps on the slippery slope that leads to the dark side. It can be the stumbling block that separates a Jedi from victory or defeat.
“The Biggest Problem In The Universe Is That Nobody Helps Each Other.” - Anakin Skywalker
Anakin is another polarizing character amongst Star Wars fans, but he really did hit the nail on the head with this one. In fact, it's probably the biggest problem across a multitude of universes, this one included.
This might have been written in as a sign that Anakin was wiser than his years, perhaps a foretelling of his future with the Jedi. But even so, it's still a reminder that the universe needs more beacons of light in the vast darkness of the galaxy.
“For My Ally is the Force, and a Powerful Ally It Is.” - Yoda
Right out of the gate, Master Yoda graces fans with this pearl of wisdom from his green, wrinkly head.
According to the Star Wars universe, the Force is the element that binds all living things. One might even go as far as saying that this is a metaphor for the divine. If that be the case, then this is one of the best quotes for those who seek calming council.
“I Am One With the Force; the Force is With Me.” - Chirrut
Chirrut might not actually be called a Jedi Master, but how can one not look at him and think otherwise? He may lack the traditional lightsaber, but his Force sensitivity is definitely off the charts.
His bond with the Force is strong. There's a reason for his guardian mantra, because not only is it one hundred percent true but his belief in the Force is what keeps him alive. Audience members may not have Jedi abilities, but individuals believing in themselves is the next best thing to Fore abilities.
“I am a Jedi, Like My Father Before Me.” - Luke Skywalker
On paper, this quote might not seem like a spring from the fountain of wisdom. However, if looked at from a contextual point of view, it's quite remarkable. The father and son relationship between Luke and Vader was always a pivotal subject in the original series, but this quote reminds viewers that Luke saw the good in his father all along, a testament to the former's character.
“The Force is Not a Power…” - Luke Skywalker
Luke's return in The Last Jedi gave viewers old and new alike a different perspective on the power of the Force.
And despite all the Jedi teachings fans think they know, the Force isn't something that can be harnessed or contained but something that drives and runs through all the galaxy. It's something that needs to be shared and understood, not dominated.
“Only a Sith Deals in Absolutes.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi
This ironic little nugget of wisdom from Obi-Wan Kenobi isn't just contradictory; it's ironic. Not only that, but this has become one of the most discussed quotes in the prequels. It's an absolute statement, but there is a difference between dealing in absolutes and believing in them. Obi-Wan should say "Only a Sith deals in false dichotomies." Absolute good or absolute evil, there's more to this quote than many think.
“I Need Someone to Show Me My Place in All This.” - Rey
It's okay, Rey. Everyone's been there. Her plea to Luke Skywalker is something all viewers can relate to. Who hasn't felt lost at some point in the great scheme and scale of the universe?
A little guidance and a whole lot of faith can certainly go a long way.
“Your Ability To Speak Does Not Make You Intelligent. “ - Qui-Gon Jinn
Not only is this quote wise, profound, and essential advice for life, but it's also perhaps the sickest burn since Owen and Beru. Jar Jar is certainly not the most beloved Star Wars character, which makes it to say satisfying that Qui-Gon isn't afraid to say what most people are thinking already.
“The Ability to Destroy a Planet is Insignificant Next to the Power of the Force.” - Darth Vader
Vader might not be a Jedi anymore, but his dedication to the Force rivals even the most seasoned Jedi Masters.
This line from Episode IV not only serves to tease at Vader's power with the Force but the fact that he holds it in esteemed reverence. Sorcerers' ways they might be, but the Dark Lord of the Sith speaks the truth.
“Fear Leads to Anger, Anger Leads to Hate, and Hate Leads to Suffering.” - Yoda
Once again, Master Yoda seems to be the Jedi who has everything all figured out, and no quote does that concept seem truer than this warning to a young Anakin Skywalker. Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and in this case, the dark side. Should anyone, Jedi or not, be driven by emotion and no reason, they become one cybersuit away from Sith Lord territory.
“May the Force Be With You.” - Various
Want to make friends with a Star Wars fan? Offer them this simple greeting and smiles will follow. A phrase said by almost every main character in the entire franchise, this is more than a standard "good luck" catchphrase. It's almost like a blessing in a way, as if the parties involved are imparting a piece of the Force to one another. What phrase from the galaxy far, far away could be better?